SINGAPORE: It was a chance to have a ball and raise money for charity. Representatives of various corporations managed to pool about S$476,800 at the Microsoft Charity Futsal Carnival.

The event saw the Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, showing off his skills on the pitch.

Dr Balakrishnan was part of a team that comprised ministers and MPs, who took on the celebrities, in a novelty match. A total of 32 teams took part in the day-long carnival held at Fico Sports Hub in Jurong.

Each team pledged between S$5,000 and S$50,000.

Part of the funds raised will go to Microsoft's efforts to raise a million dollars for people with disabilities.

The event was also organised in support of the President's Challenge 2008. -CNA/vm